Colossians 1:25 25of which I myself was made a minister according to the stewardship of God that was given to me to fulfill the word of God,
The opening pronoun of verse 25 reflects back on Christ’s body, the church, in verse 24. Paul’s ministry focused on preaching the word of the gospel and building up the church. Paul “served” (diakonos) the church as God’s steward. Stewardship (oikonomian) refers to Paul’s responsibility to manage God’s house (oikos). He needed to care for the people and make sure they were growing in their faith and trust in God. Many of the Colossians would have understood this image from their culture. The wealthier people may have had stewards in their homes. The poorer may have serves as slaves who had responsibility of stewardship in the home. Paul notes that this was given to him. The word for given (dotheisan) is used sometimes in the context of a gift or blessing (Matthew 19:11; Acts 20:35). Paul was given the gift of serving God. This was a high privilege, even though it costs him much pain and suffering.
Paul’s job description as a steward in God’s house was to fulfill the word of God. He needed to get the word out to the world. He writes in 1 Corinthians 9:16, “For if I preach the gospel, I have nothing to boast about, for I am under compulsion; for woe to me if I do not preach the gospel.” The word of God which Paul preached was the good news of salvation and reconciliation in Jesus Christ. God says in Isaiah 55:11, “So will y my word be which goes out of my mouth; It will not return to me empty, without accomplishing what I desire, and without succeeding in the purpose for which I sent it.” Paul’s personal goal and mission was to be a mouthpiece of this word. Few people may have a mission and calling like Paul, but all be used by God to further the mission in one way or another. Not all may be called to preach but all are called to witness.
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